ZARA founder Amancio Ortega wants to buy Manchester United, according to reports.
The Red Devils were put up for sale last night, with the Glazer family looking for £9bn to flog the club.
United have already received plenty of interest, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Apple both claimed to be keen.
And according to the Manchester Evening News, businessman Ortega, 86, has now entered the mix.
They claim that the Spaniard has already informed United chiefs of his desire to buy the club.
As per Forbes, Ortega is worth £52bn – making him the 19th richest man on the planet.
He owns multinational company Inditex – of which Zara is a part.
His daughter, Maria Ortega Perez, is the chairwoman of the high street clothing powerhouse.
United sparked what could turn into a bidding war with their statement published last night.
It read: “Manchester United plc, one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club.
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“The process is designed to enhance the club’s future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.
“As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company.
“This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders.”
Man United fan and Britain’s richest man Ratcliffe signalled his intention to buy the Red Devils earlier this year, and remains interested in his beloved club.
He will NOT be held to ransom, however, and will demand a fair market price.
Tech giants Apple, meanwhile, are also said to be in the mix.
CEO Tim Cook is claimed to be lining up talks with the bosses in charge of overseeing a sale.
Apple are worth an estimated £2TRILLION.
